Join us on Monday, October 26 at the beautiful Country Club of Roswell for the 31st Annual Bob Busse Memorial Golf Classic—a day where community, competition, and compassion tee off together. Every swing, putt, and drive supports the mission of Special Olympics Georgia, helping athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state train, compete, and count on year-round programs that amplify their potential. Participants will enjoy a professionally hosted tournament format, exclusive hospitality areas, player gifts, on-course contests, and a post-round awards reception. With your involvement as a player, sponsor, or volunteer, you’re elevating more than the game—you’re championing a movement of confidence, belonging, and joy for over 22,000 athletes statewide.
For sponsorship details, player registration, and tournament day logistics, please refer to the accompanying packet or contact Thomas Ritch.
2026 State Summer Games, May 22-24, Emory University
by thomas.ritchJoin Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for the 2026 State Summer Games being held at Emory University in Atlanta, GA May 22 – 24. During the weekend SOGA will host 3,000 athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners who will compete in Athletics, Cheerleading, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Soccer, and Volleyball. Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday May 22 7:00 pm at McDonough Field. For the 2026 State Summer Games fact sheet please click here.
If you are interested in volunteering please click here or contact Leksi Whatley.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Summer Games please contact Thomas Ritch.
If you have questions regarding the events please contact Liz Smith.
2026 Shoot for Champions, Friday August 7th, Waleska, GA
by thomas.ritchJoin us for the 2026 Shoot for Champions sporting clays tournament — a dynamic and spirited day of competition and camaraderie set against the scenic backdrop of Garland Mountain Sporting Clays in Waleska, Georgia. All proceeds from this premier event will support Special Olympics Georgia’s mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering athletes across the state to develop physical fitness, discover joy, and showcase their skills. Participants will enjoy a round of clays at 12 picturesque shooting stations, a full breakfast, a luncheon reception, engaging games and prizes, and a lively silent auction — all while supporting the more than 22,000 athletes who make up the Special Olympics Georgia community.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event or registering your team, contact Sam Elkins.
Save The Date
2026 Duck Pluck, Wednesday September 23
by thomas.ritchThe 2026 Special Olympics Georgia Duck Pluck is back! This event brings our community together to support the 24,218 athletes with intellectual and development disabilities across the state of Georgia. On September 23, 2026, thousands of “adopted” rubber ducks will be and entered into the Duck Pluck for a chance to win exciting prizes—all while raising critical funds for year-round sports training, competition, and health programs provided by Special Olympics Georgia. Individuals and companies are invited to participate by adopting a duck, hosting a sales day at your local event, or showing their support through sponsorship opportunities. For more information on getting involved please contact Sam Elkins at sam.elkins@specialolympicsga.org
Volunteer at the 2026 State Fall Games October 16-17
by Liz SmithIf you are interested in bringing a corporate group to volunteer and would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Thomas Ritch via email at Thomas.Ritch@specialolympicsga.org to learn how to get your company involved!
Thank you for your interest in supporting Special Olympics Georgia, and we look forward to seeing you at the games!
2026 State Fall Games, October 16-17, Valdosta, GA
by thomas.ritchJoin Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for the 2026 State Fall Games being held at Freedom Park in Valdosta, GA, October 16 – 17. During the weekend SOGA will host 2,500 athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners who will compete in Bocce, Cycling, Golf, Golf Skills, Softball, and Softball Skills. Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday October 16th at 7:30 pm at Freedom Park. For the 2026 State Fall Games fact sheet please click here.
If you are interested in volunteering please click here or contact Leksi Whatley.
Join us at this year’s Opening Ceremonies.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Fall Games Games please contact Sam Elkins.
If you have questions regarding the events please contact Olivia Schuster.
2026 Bob Busse Memorial Golf Classic, Monday October 26, Country Club of Roswell
by thomas.ritchJoin us on Monday, October 26 at the beautiful Country Club of Roswell for the 31st Annual Bob Busse Memorial Golf Classic—a day where community, competition, and compassion tee off together. Every swing, putt, and drive supports the mission of Special Olympics Georgia, helping athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state train, compete, and count on year-round programs that amplify their potential. Participants will enjoy a professionally hosted tournament format, exclusive hospitality areas, player gifts, on-course contests, and a post-round awards reception. With your involvement as a player, sponsor, or volunteer, you’re elevating more than the game—you’re championing a movement of confidence, belonging, and joy for over 22,000 athletes statewide.
For sponsorship details, player registration, and tournament day logistics, please refer to the accompanying packet or contact Thomas Ritch.
Knights of Columbus Empower SOGA Athletes
by Liz Smith2026 State Indoor Winter Games & S.E. Powerlifting
by Liz SmithJoin over 2,000 athletes, coaches, and unified partners as they compete in Basketball, Bowling, Artistic Gymnastics, Pickleball and Powerlifting. The Games will be held in Emerson, GA & Marietta, GA on January 30 – 31, 2026
For more information, contact Santiago Arias, santiago.arias@specialolympicsga.org. To sponsor, contact Thomas Ritch, thomas.ritch@specialolympicsga.org. to Volunteer, contact Leksi Whatley, leksi.whatley@specialolympicsga.org
2026 IWG Fact Sheet
2025 Polar Plunge-February 22, 2025
by Liz Smith2024 State Fall Games Rescheduled for November 22 – 23
by Liz SmithSpecial Olympics Georgia (SOGA) is excited to announce that the 2024 State Fall Games make-up date is set for Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 23rd. All schedules will remain the same, except reflecting the new dates. SOGA will provide updated schedules, brackets and the information guide to all agencies and volunteers within the next few days. SOGA will also post this update on the SOGA website and social media pages. SOGA is also continuing communication with Quiet Pines Golf Course, to ensure that the conditions of the golf course will allow SOGA to host the golf venue on Saturday, November 23rd. As soon as that is confirmed, SOGA will notify programs with golf delegates.
Agencies need to let SOGA know by this Friday, October 18th, 2024, if your agency is attending with the same registered delegates OR your agency is scratching from games. This is extremely important, so that SOGA has the time to adjust all sports divisions and release hotel rooms.
HOD’s, please share this information with all your delegates and their families.